Republican 11th Congressional District candidate Bert Miller today announced his support for term limits for members of Congress, saying Congress needs to remember that the government exists for the people, not the politicians.

"Our problems are too immense and our challenges too great to be left to an entrenched group of the political elite," Miller said. "The framers of our Constitution envisioned that government would be run by citizen volunteers, people who would bring to Washington their unique experience and expertise. Instead, it's become a country club for career-minded office holders who've grown isolated from reality."

Noting that the President of the United States is limited to two four-year terms and that many states put limits on Governors, Miller said restricting the number of terms in Congress only makes sense. "Service in Washington should be seen as a duty, not a special privilege."

Miller proposed limiting Congressional terms to no more than two 6-year Senate terms and the equivalent period, 12 years, in the House, which would amount to no more than six terms. "Although I think there is an argument to make for even shorter limits, twelve years should be more than enough time to make a positive impact in Washington and move on," Miller said.

Miller also said that imposing term limits is the most effective way to reign in government spending, which is desperately needed if the country is going to reduce its mountain of debt. "The only way for these career-politicians to win re-election is continue to raise countless sums of campaign contributions and to pander to voters with greater and more irresponsible spending," Miller said. "This has become one of the most important issues of our time."

Throughout his career, Miller has been a leader and strong proponent of economic development through common-sense, pro-business reforms. His business, Phoenix Closures, makes plastic lids and caps for bottles and jars, all with American-made products and equipment. He wants to take that experience to Washington to help grow the economy and create jobs for the 11th Congressional District.

In addition to his business experience, Miller has served on the boards of Hales Franciscan High School, a South Side institution dedicated to helping disadvantaged youth prepare for higher education, and the Big Shoulders Fund, a group with a mission to provide support to Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner city Chicago.